Sclerotherapy is a technique for the treatment of varicosities, vascular ectasia, and sometimes, leg varicose veins. This method is aesthetic and in some cases therapeutics and uses sclerosing agents ... [more ▼]

Sclerotherapy is a technique for the treatment of varicosities, vascular ectasia, and sometimes, leg varicose veins. This method is aesthetic and in some cases therapeutics and uses sclerosing agents, electrocoagulation and exceptionally LASER. These relatively simple methods are safe and efficient if they are applied with a rigorous procedure by well trained physicians. [less ▲]

Aim of the study. – The capacity of fungi to induce eczema in head and neck dermatitis has already been studied. Malassezia has often been implicated in two other dermatitis of the cephalic region ... [more ▼]

Aim of the study. – The capacity of fungi to induce eczema in head and neck dermatitis has already been studied. Malassezia has often been implicated in two other dermatitis of the cephalic region (seborrhoeic dermatitis and sebopsoriasis).We have explored the cellular and IgE dependant reactions to different groups of fungi in these three dermatitis using “patch” and “prick” tests. Tested allergens were: Alternaria, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, Candida albicans, Malassezia, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Material and methods. – Seventy persons including 42 females (60%) and 28 males (40%) aged 40 years old in average were distributed in four groups: Head and neck dermatitis (24 patients), seborrheic dermatitis of the face (21 patients) and sebopsoriasis of the face (10 patients) compared to 15 controls without these dermatoses. Results and conclusions. – Globally, in “prick” and “patch” tests, yeasts had the highest number of positivity comparing to the two other groups. Malassezia was the leader in “prick tests”. In “patch tests”, the global results showed a positivity rate, which was clearly lower than those in “prick tests”. Detailed analysis of the results revealed that in the head and neck dermatitis the highest number of positive “patch tests” for all of these allergens is found. For the three other groups, no significant difference for these two techniques for any of these allergens has been detected. [less ▲]

Topical ketoprofen (KP) is widely used because of its anti-inflammatory effect. However, photocontact dermatitis is a side-effect. Between May 2001 and June 2002, the Belgian Contact & Environmental ... [more ▼]

Topical ketoprofen (KP) is widely used because of its anti-inflammatory effect. However, photocontact dermatitis is a side-effect. Between May 2001 and June 2002, the Belgian Contact & Environmental Dermatitis Group conducted a prospective, open patch and photopatch test study in 20 patients suspected of KP dermatitis. Severe skin symptoms requiring systemic corticotherapy occurred in 47%. 5 patients were hospitalized. 1 patient showed prolonged photosensitivity. All patients were tested with KP and the other constituents of KP gel. Attribution to KP was demonstrated in all cases. Patch and photopatch tests with KP 2% in petrolatum showed contact photoallergy in 17 patients, contact allergy in 1 patient and photoaggravated contact allergy in 2 patients. 5 patients also reacted to the fragrance components lavender (Lavandula augustifolia) oil and/or neroli (Citrus aurantium dulcis) oil 5% in alcohol. However, in 4 of these, irritant reactions to the ethanolic dilutions could not be ruled out. Additional tests with 3 non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs without benzophenone structure ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac identified only 1 contact allergic reaction to diclofenac. Cross-reactivity to the substituted benzophenones, oxybenzone and sulisobenzone occurred only to the first in less than 30% of the patients. A high frequency (69%) of contact allergy to fragrance mix was found. Dermatologists should be aware of the severity of photoallergic reactions to KP and the risk of cross-sensitization. [less ▲]

Contact dermatitis to gold has rarely been reported. This precious metal is generally considered as inert, insoluble and resistant to corrosion. Nevertheless, gold salts have a strong potential for ... [more ▼]

Contact dermatitis to gold has rarely been reported. This precious metal is generally considered as inert, insoluble and resistant to corrosion. Nevertheless, gold salts have a strong potential for sensitization. This condition can occur after contact with gold jewellery and dental alloys, after systemic therapy with gold salts and after occupational contact. The lesions may be expressed as contact dermatitis on the face, ear, neck and/or fingers, and as lichen planus and/or lichenoid stomatitis. The dermatitis is usually not very irritating and the lesions are rarely persistent. Diagnosis is based on the clinical history and examination, on the nature of the exposure sources, and on the results of patch tests with gold sodium thiosulfate (GSTS) at 0.5% in petrolatum. The patch test is read on days 2 and 3 and again after 1 and 3 weeks. Allergen avoidance can be expensive and tiresome, and improvement is not guaranteed.We report the case of a female patient who came to us complaining of burning in her mouth. She had polymetallism and lichenoid lesions facing gold tooth crowns. Patch tests were positive to GSTS at 72 h and at 1 week. Replacement of the gold crowns led to total disappearance of her symptoms within 1 year. Local factors, including humidity, temperature, acid pH, abrasion and contact with substance such as amino acids, bring about the liberation of the sensitizing metallic salts, which may be enhanced by galvanic corrosion secondary to the polymetallism. [less ▲]

Urticaria is a transient eruption of erythematous or oedematous swelling of the dermis and is usually associated with itching which clinically is very easy to diagnose. However, it causes several ... [more ▼]

Urticaria is a transient eruption of erythematous or oedematous swelling of the dermis and is usually associated with itching which clinically is very easy to diagnose. However, it causes several etiological, pathophysiological and therapeutic problems. We will develop the acute and chronic urticaria as well as their different associations with systemic diseases. Some current data concerning chronic idiopathic autoimmune urticaria is reviewed. The management and therapeutics will be discussed. [less ▲]

A number of cosmetic products containing sesame oil are used for daily cutaneous care. The risk of secondary induction of eczema or even anaphylactic shock after topical use of products containing ... [more ▼]

A number of cosmetic products containing sesame oil are used for daily cutaneous care. The risk of secondary induction of eczema or even anaphylactic shock after topical use of products containing vegetable oils is still unknown. We describe the case of 36-years-old atopic, sesame sensitized women who presented with contact urticaria after application of a foundation cream containing sesame oil. Immediate prick and patch tests with sesame oil, sesame grains, the foundation cream and its components confirmed this sensitization. We discuss the innocuousness of vegetable and animal products present in foods and in cosmetics and problems that may occur when they are used by patients during an inflammatory phase of atopic dermatitis and by patients with specific sensitization to these allergens. [less ▲]

Tinea pedis is an infection of the stratum corneum caused by dermatophytes. Nowadays, fitness centers, saunas, subtropical swimming pools and sport-shoes are more and more fashionable and are certainly ... [more ▼]

Tinea pedis is an infection of the stratum corneum caused by dermatophytes. Nowadays, fitness centers, saunas, subtropical swimming pools and sport-shoes are more and more fashionable and are certainly responsible for the increase of cases of tinea pedis as dermatophytes grow preferentially in warm and humid environments. The clinical aspect is affected by several factors such as the host reaction to the infection, the virulence of the infective strain, species, and some local and environmental factors. If a dermatophytosis is suspected, it is mandatory to validate the provisional diagnosis by demonstration of the fungus (by culture or/and microscopic examination) to avoid useless and expensive treatments. The new antifungal molecules are very effective, well tolerated and allow short course of therapy improving the compliance of the patient in clinical practice. Relapse of tinea pedis is very common but could be avoided by several simple preventive measures of hygiene. [less ▲]

in Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology & Venereology (1997), 9

Aim : A clinical, randomized, parallel, multicenter study was undertaken to compare the efficacy and Ihe tolerability of two known steroid creams, betamethasone 17-valerate and clobetasol propionate ... [more ▼]

Aim : A clinical, randomized, parallel, multicenter study was undertaken to compare the efficacy and Ihe tolerability of two known steroid creams, betamethasone 17-valerate and clobetasol propionate, alone or left under a hydrocolloid dressing (Contreei'* Derma Cover), in the treatment of chronic plaques of psoriasis. Methods : A total of 70 patients with symmetrical localized psoriasis were divided randomly into two groups for the study. Each patient applied ihe corticosteroid preparation under Contreet° Derma Cover once a week on one plaque and the same topical corticosteroid alone h.i.d on the other plaque; the treatment lasted 3 weeks for betamethasone 17-valerate, and 2 weeks for clobetasol propionate. Results : The heahng rate reached 79% with the Contreet" combined treatment versus 15% (P < 0,0001) with the standard treatment for betamethasone 17-valeratc (group I) and Sb% versus 14*70 (P < 0. 0001) for clobetasol propionate (group It). The mean difference in healing rate was 65% {95% confidence interval (C.I), 46-84%) and 69% (95% CL, 50-87%) in groups I and II, respectively. Conclusion : The use of the new generation of hydrocolloid dressings in combination with steroid preparations can be considered as another therapeutic option for the treatment of chronic localized psoriatic lesions. Furthermore, with this method the amount of the topical corticosteroid used can be reduced. [less ▲]

Congenital psoriasis without an underlying nevus following the lines of Blaschko is described in a 6-year-old girl. In addition to this special type of psoriasis, she suffered from atopic dermatitis. The ... [more ▼]

Congenital psoriasis without an underlying nevus following the lines of Blaschko is described in a 6-year-old girl. In addition to this special type of psoriasis, she suffered from atopic dermatitis. The lesions were aggravated by sun exposure and phototherapy treatments, as well as by upper airways infections, without any clear explanation of these trigger factors. We propose to call this form of psoriasis congenital blaschkoid psoriasis. [less ▲]

We report 2 cases of primary systemic amyloidosis. A monoclonal gammopathy was confirmed at the postmortem examination of the first patient. An extensive search for evidence of chronic infection ... [more ▼]

We report 2 cases of primary systemic amyloidosis. A monoclonal gammopathy was confirmed at the postmortem examination of the first patient. An extensive search for evidence of chronic infection, inflammation, neoplasms and paraproteinemia was conclusively negative in the other patient. The recognition of cutaneous signs of primary systemic amyloidosis is crucial to insure a rapid management aimed at postponing the fatal issue of the disease. [less ▲]

Netherton’s syndrome is a recessive autosomal disease associating ichthyosiform dermatosis, hair dysplasia and systemic involvement. (Netherton, 1958, Arch. Dermatol., Vol. 78,483-487). We report the observation of two sisters who present the complete form of Netherton’s syndrome. Both patients were treated with retinoids for more than ten years. [less ▲]